Message In Black And White

July 23, 1986|By Brown

It's immaterial that President Reagan's initial nominee as the first black U.S. ambassador to South Africa didn't pass muster. The president's idea to appoint a black as the highest U.S. representative in South Africa remains one of the best ways to signal that American policy toward the land of apartheid has assumed new urgency.

Simply put, a new ambassador would represent a fresh start: The current ambassador is tied to the old U.S. policy of quiet diplomatic prodding for reform.

Symbolically, a black ambassador would emphasize the U.S. commitment to equal rights. In addition, he would be a slap to Pretoria's white-dominated government and a daily reminder that change is a U.S. priority.

The appointment also would help Mr. Reagan's objective of closer relations with black South African organizations. Encouraging these organizations to take U.S. proposals seriously, however, will be possible only if the appointee is committed to change in South Africa.